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This study explores the defensive characteristics of vernacular fortified villages preserved within Guangdong province in South China. Based on field investigations that cover 1,592 townships, the planning layout, architectural design, and relevant special structures of various fortified villages were analysed and illustrated. In this way, the distribution patterns of the villages were exhibited, and their natural and social mechanisms of formation were thus revealed. Results show that the full utilization of the natural environment and organic integration with artificial defence facilities, as well as the adaption to the local culture, were the main concerns surrounding the construction of fortified villages.